Ansley Park

In 1904, the Southern Real Estate Improvement Company, including Edwin Ansley, purchased approximately 200 acres of land for the development that would become Ansley Park. The land was north of the city limits of Atlanta and its plan was determined by its rolling, hilly topography. Ansley Park was the first automobile suburb in Atlanta designed for wealthy, prominent citizens looking for an escape the rapid urbanization of downtown. These residents valued the restful, picturesque environment provided by the borderland.

Ansley Park shares many of the characteristics common to an early suburb - winding streets, peaceful park spaces and large single family lots. Often sited on these lots were English cottages and other idealized styles. Stilgoe suggests that English cottages exemplified virtues missing in American domestic life in borderland areas before the Civil War. (pg 30) It is interesting to note that the area did not always contain the mature tree canopy as we know it today. The postcard depicting "Ansley Park, the Finest Residence District" shows the development circa 1907.

The commitment to an idealized gracious, borderland lifestyle appears to have been passed on to contemporary Ansley Park residents. This is evident by the 100th anniversary book published by the Ansley Park Civic Association entitled "Ansley Park - 100 Years of Gracious Living."